Limpopo: Reserve Manager (Salary Neg) posted by Cedar Wood Recruitment

About the Role

Cedar Wood Recruitment is seeking an experienced Reserve Manager to oversee the comprehensive management and operations of a private game reserve in Limpopo, South Africa. The successful candidate will be responsible for ensuring exceptional standards in maintenance, financial oversight, guest experience, ecosystem conservation, and regulatory compliance. They will deliver high-quality operations while maintaining the natural environment and supporting owner and guest satisfaction.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and manage short- and long-term capital and operating budgets, ensuring cost-effective operations.
• Monitor financial performance, analyze data, and implement measures to optimize efficiency.
• Control operational expenses and maintain accurate records.
• Oversee collection of association fees from owners and ensure timely processing.
• Manage association insurance policies, renewals, and claims.
• Oversee fuel storage, distribution, and inventory to ensure adequate daily supply.

• Lead recruitment, training, supervision, and performance management of reserve staff.
• Maintain staff contracts, job descriptions, timesheets, leave records, and conduct regular performance appraisals.
• Ensure high standards of work performance in line with job descriptions and key performance indicators.
• Oversee contractor selection, contract negotiation, and quality assurance.
• Administer disciplinary procedures in compliance with relevant labour legislation.
• Ensure staff wear issued uniforms and PPE, and hold valid driver’s licenses (including professional driving permits where required) for reserve vehicles.

• Oversee maintenance and repair of all reserve infrastructure, including buildings, roads, fences, water and electricity reticulation, sewerage systems, and vehicles.
• Ensure all equipment, tools, and vehicles are secure, well-maintained, and compliant with safety standards.
• Maintain roads, fences, gates, and public areas (e.g., viewing hides, dams) to agreed specifications and ensure they are clean and presentable.
• Monitor water, electricity, and sewerage systems, addressing issues promptly.
• Advise on road suitability for game viewing during adverse weather.

• Recommend strategic improvements based on market trends, guest feedback, sustainability best practices, and conservation priorities.

• Maintain timely and professional communication with owners.
• Liaise with relevant regulatory authorities on matters such as fencing, security, rules, and conservation compliance.
• Build positive relationships with local communities and stakeholders.

• Procure supplies and equipment efficiently.
• Manage inventory to prevent shortages or wastage.

• Ensure full compliance with reserve rules, environmental authorizations, and applicable local, provincial, and national legislation.
• Enforce reserve rules consistently, conduct property inspections, issue violation notices, and resolve disputes.
• Monitor contractors to ensure adherence to building guidelines.
• Maintain accurate association records and governing documents.
• Conduct regular safety inspections and audits.

• Implement sustainable conservation practices, including biodiversity monitoring, invasive species control, and management of watering points.
• Ensure compliance with the reserve’s environmental management plan.
• Address wildlife-related issues in collaboration with relevant authorities.
• Promote use of indigenous flora in lodge gardens and overall environmental stewardship.

• Develop and maintain emergency response plans for fires, natural disasters, and other incidents.
• Oversee firebreak implementation, firefighting equipment maintenance, and staff training drills.
• Assist in wildfire suppression and risk mitigation.

• Oversee security systems, access control, and monitoring equipment (e.g., camera traps).

• Provide operational oversight of lodge field guides in collaboration with the responsible director.
• Maintain and enforce an up-to-date Guide Handbook covering protocols, code of conduct, and legal requirements.
• Promote a professional and ethical guiding culture through accountability, regular meetings, and disciplinary processes.
• Oversee guide selection, induction, training, and compliance with qualifications (e.g., professional registrations, first aid, driver permits).
• Manage freelance guides and ensure all guides adhere to uniform standards and reserve rules.

• Maintain accurate records of operations, finances, inventory, and incidents.
• Prepare and submit monthly reports, including: water and electricity meter readings and charges, fuel usage and charges, staff transport records, gate fees and occupancy data, financial summaries.

• Lead special projects as directed by the Board.
• Ensure gate operations follow established policies.
• Assist with any reasonable additional duties, including outside normal hours when required.